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“Status for non-EU countries”, Rama: We would better understand common challenges

In his speech before the leaders of the EU and the Western Balkans at the first Berlin summit held in Tirana, the Albanian Prime Minister said that we must continue with inclusion in the EU, exploring new alternatives. According to Rames, something like this would create a harmonious existence to …

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PM Rama’s statement ahead of Berlin Process Summit’s launch

For the first time in the region, the Berlin Process Summit is held this Monday, which will bring together the leaders of the Balkan countries, EU member states and higher representatives of the European Union. Through a Facebook status, Prime Minister Edi Rama has posted a photo from where the …

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Michel arrived in Tirana for Berlin Process Summit

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, welcomed the President of the European Council Charles Michel in Tirana. EC’s President arrived to Tirana in the framework of the Summit that takes place this Monday in Albania. However, the Berlin process is an initiative that aims to increase regional …

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Summit in Tirana, Begaj: Historical for Albania’s and the region’s path towards the EU

President Bajram Begaj has welcomed the holding of the Berlin Process Summit that is taking place today in Tirana. President Begaj says that this is a great historical event for the European journey of Albania and the region. “The holding of the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana today is a …

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Woman injured, traffic blocked by car crash in Lezha

A serious accident took place this Monday morning on the Lezhë-Rrile secondary road, blocking traffic for about 1 hour. Vehicle driven by a woman collided with the surrounding wall of a residence and then overturned. Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle received minor injuries, while her life is out of …

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Rama-Kurti shake hands in warm welcome ahead of Berlin Process Summit

Prime Minister Edi Rama is welcoming the leaders of the Region and the leaders of the European Union to the Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard. As he had confirmed, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, arrived and was welcomed with a smile by Prime Minister Rama and a handshake. …

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Von der Leyen, a very strong message of how committed we are to enlargement

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during her stay in Tirana, spoke to journalists in connection with the launch of the Berlin Summit Process. She said that this summit is held at a time when the situation in the Balkans is tense, but this shows the …

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The Interreligious Collaboration Center QBNF Becomes an Official Member of the Prestigious Network for International Religious Peacemakers

ELBASAN, Oct. 13 – With a decision of the Board of Directors, the Interreligious Cooperation Center (QBNF) in the Elbasan region has been officially accepted as a member of the “Network for traditional Religious Peacemakers”. This is a major change in the mission and impact of the QBNF in improving …

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Declared wanted for drug trafficking in Italy, a 53-year-old man arrested in Vlora

A 53-year-old man was arrested by the Vlora police after being declared internationally wanted by the Italian state as a member of a criminal group in the field of drug trafficking. Lorenc Kapllani alias Lorenc Sadikaj was arrested in the neighborhood “10 Korriku” in Vlora with the intention of extradition …

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Car hits two pedestrians in Fier

A serious accident occurred on Saturday morning in front of the “Janaq Kilica” gymnasium in Fier. As a result, a couple of pedestrians were injured. It is learned that a “Volkswagen” type vehicle, driven by a woman, hit two citizens, 38 and 44 years old, one of whom suffered leg …

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Albanian PM’s Private Jet Trip to Israel Raises Transparency Questions

During last week’s visit to Israel, Albania’s Prime Minister used a private jet once owned by Sam Bankman Fried, now-jailed owner of crypto exchange FTX – but it’s unclear who footed the bill. Original post Here

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Albania Arrests 20 for Toxic Waste-Trafficking to Thailand

The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here

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As Trump’s Family Eyes Pristine Albanian Coast, Villagers Cry Foul

The US president’s son-in-law wants to build a tourism development in southern Albania, but residents of the unspoilt strip around Zvernec say a dispute over ownership of the land is being ignored. Original post Here

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Local roads, national standards: Tropojë case tests Albania’s procurement and oversight

Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has sent Tropojë’s mayor Rexhë Byberi and his deputy Abedin Kërrnaja to trial on charges of “abuse of office” related to local infrastructure projects. The officials are …

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Hamid’s Story: A Tale of Death and Europe’s Drift Towards Offshore Detention

The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here

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We Were Always Here: The Balkans Should Honour Its LGBTQ+ Pioneers

Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. Original post Here

News
Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec

Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 2, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

News
Tunnel Revelation Raises Awkward Questions for Albanian Government

The Murrizi Tunnel was opened to much fanfare in March last year, not long before a parliamentary election. Now the Albanian Road Authority says it has yet been certified for use. Original post Here

News
Albania and the Balkans in the Epstein Files

Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice has expanded the scope of one of the most disturbing scandals of the past decade far beyond the United States. The …

News

Albanian PM’s Private Jet Trip to Israel Raises Transparency Questions

During last week’s visit to Israel, Albania’s Prime Minister used a private jet once owned by Sam Bankman Fried, now-jailed owner of crypto exchange FTX – but it’s unclear who footed the bill. Original post Here

News

Albania Arrests 20 for Toxic Waste-Trafficking to Thailand

The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here

News

As Trump’s Family Eyes Pristine Albanian Coast, Villagers Cry Foul

The US president’s son-in-law wants to build a tourism development in southern Albania, but residents of the unspoilt strip around Zvernec say a dispute over ownership of the land is being ignored. Original post Here

News

Local roads, national standards: Tropojë case tests Albania’s procurement and oversight

Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has sent Tropojë’s mayor Rexhë Byberi and his deputy Abedin Kërrnaja to trial on charges of “abuse of office” related to local infrastructure projects. The officials are …

News

Hamid’s Story: A Tale of Death and Europe’s Drift Towards Offshore Detention

The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here

News

We Were Always Here: The Balkans Should Honour Its LGBTQ+ Pioneers

Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. Original post Here

News

Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec

Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 2, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

News

Tunnel Revelation Raises Awkward Questions for Albanian Government

The Murrizi Tunnel was opened to much fanfare in March last year, not long before a parliamentary election. Now the Albanian Road Authority says it has yet been certified for use. Original post Here

News

Albania and the Balkans in the Epstein Files

Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice has expanded the scope of one of the most disturbing scandals of the past decade far beyond the United States. The …